BMW 3 Series fifth generation
The BMW 3 Series fifth generation (2005–2013): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 48 versions in the United States and Canada.
Model codes: E90, E91, E92, E93 · Sold in: United States and Canada
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 4,480–4,620 mm RDW | 4,530–4,630 mm TC | 4,520–4,610 mm |
| Width | 1,780–1,820 mm RDW | 1,780–1,820 mm TC | 1,780–1,820 mm |
| Height | 1,380–1,430 mm RDW | 1,380–1,430 mm TC | 1,380–1,420 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,730–2,810 mm RDW | 2,760–2,810 mm TC | 2,760 mm |
| Front track | 1,494–1,540 mm ASTRA | 1,490–1,540 mm TC | – |
| Rear track | 1,503–1,535 mm ASTRA | 1,490–1,580 mm TC | – |
| Weights and towing | |||
| Kerb weight | 1,295–1,635 kg RDW | 1,475–1,815 kg TC | 1,425–1,825 kg |
| Mass in running order | 1,395–1,735 kg RDW | – | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,820–2,150 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 1,250–1,700 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 680–750 kg RDW | – | – |
| Seats and space | |||
| Seats | 4–5 RDW | – | – |
| Doors | 2–4 RDW | – | – |
| Luggage space (EPA) | – | 255–708 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | – | 2,379–2,718 L EPA | – |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 206–250 km/h RDW | – | – |
| Torque | 190–580 Nm ASTRA | – | – |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 205/60R16, 225/45R17, 225/40R18, 255/35R18, 205/55R16, 225/50R16, 255/40R17, 225/35R19
NHTSA overall safety rating (US): 2012–2013: ★★★★★
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Transport Canada vehicle specifications, Wikipedia, ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9–12 years | 80.1% (80.0–80.3) | 77.9% | 273,063 |
| 13 years and older | 75.4% (75.2–75.6) | 69.2% | 290,067 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 32.9% | 31.2% |
| Brakes | 30.3% | 32.0% |
| Suspension | 28.6% | 34.7% |
| Lights and electrics | 14.4% | 23.4% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 10.3% | 12.5% |
| Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers) | 9.3% | 10.2% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
3,856 complaints for model years 2007–2013. 140 crashes · 204 fires · 130 injuries · 1 death
- Engine 1,336
- Electrical system 945
- Airbags 910
- Fuel system 466
- Transmission and drivetrain 162
- Steering 146
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 48 versions of the BMW 3 Series fifth generation
Show all 48 versions
United States 22 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–2017SIDI | 2.0 L | Petrol | 8-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 26–28 MPG (8.4–9.0 L/100 km) EPA | 201–212 g/km |
| 2012–2015SIDI | 2.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 26–27 MPG (8.7–9.0 L/100 km) EPA | 203–211 g/km |
| 2013SIDI | 2.0 L | Petrol | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | 26–27 MPG (8.7–9.0 L/100 km) EPA | 202–206 g/km |
| 2013SIDI | 2.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | All-wheel drive | 26 MPG (9.0 L/100 km) EPA | 216 g/km |
| 2011–2013SIDI | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 21–23 MPG (10.2–11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 240–265 g/km |
| 2011–2013SIDI | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 21–22 MPG (10.7–11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 251–258 g/km |
| 2011–2013SIDI | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 261–263 g/km |
| 2011–2013SIDI | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | All-wheel drive | 21–23 MPG (10.2–11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 233–263 g/km |
| 2013SIDI | 3.0 L | Petrol | 7-speed automated manual | Rear-wheel drive | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 285 g/km |
| 2013SIDI | 3.0 L | Petrol | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | 24 MPG (9.8 L/100 km) EPA | 235 g/km |
| 2010–2013 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 275–276 g/km |
| 2010–2013 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | All-wheel drive | 19–20 MPG (11.8–12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 276–291 g/km |
| 2011–2013 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 257–265 g/km |
| 2006–2013 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 20–22 MPG (10.7–11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 251–277 g/km |
| 2012–2013SIDI | 3.0 L | Petrol | 8-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 26 MPG (9.0 L/100 km) EPA | 212–214 g/km |
| 2013SIDI | 3.0 L | Hybrid | 8-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 28 MPG (8.4 L/100 km) EPA | 197 g/km |
| 2011–2012SIDI | 3.0 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 291 g/km |
| 2007–20113MODE CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 20–22 MPG (10.7–11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 251–276 g/km |
| 2009–2011 | 3.0 L | Diesel | 6-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 27 MPG (8.7 L/100 km) EPA | 234 g/km |
| 2006–20093MODE CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 2006–2009 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 19–20 MPG (11.8–12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 276–291 g/km |
| 20063MODE CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
Canada 26 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013Compact | 2.0 L | Petrol | 8-speed automatic | 8.2–8.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 189–205 g/km |
| 2013Compact | 2.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 8.5–8.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 196–200 g/km |
| 2006–2013Subcompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 10.7–11.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 246–274 g/km |
| 2006–2013Subcompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 10.4–11.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 239–267 g/km |
| 2013Compact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 8-speed automatic | 8.3–9.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 191–216 g/km |
| 2007–2013Compact · Subcompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 10.3–12.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 237–278 g/km |
| 2011–2013Subcompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 7-speed automated manual | 12.0–12.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 276–281 g/km |
| 2012Subcompact · Station wagon: Small | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 11.5 L/100 km 5-cycle | 265 g/km |
| 2012Subcompact · Station wagon: Small | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 11.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 269 g/km |
| 2006–2011Compact | 2.5 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 10.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 244 g/km |
| 2006–2011Compact | 2.5 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 10.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 244 g/km |
| 2007–2011Compact · Subcompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 10.4–11.8 L/100 km 5-cycle | 239–271 g/km |
| 2008–2011Compact · Subcompact · Station wagon: Small | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 11.5–11.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 265–267 g/km |
| 2007–2011Compact · Subcompact · Station wagon: Small | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 11.6–11.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 267–269 g/km |
| 2009–2011Compact | 3.0 L | Diesel | 6-speed automatic | 8.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 232 g/km |
| 2006–2007Station wagon: Small · Compact · Subcompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 11.5 L/100 km 5-cycle | 265 g/km |
| 2006–2007Compact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 10.9–11.8 L/100 km 5-cycle | 251–271 g/km |
| 2006–2007Compact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 10.8–11.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 248–274 g/km |
| 2006Station wagon: Small | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 11.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 269 g/km |
| 2006Minicompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 12.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 285 g/km |
| 2005Subcompact · Compact · Station wagon: Small | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 258 g/km |
| 2005Compact · Station wagon: Small | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 12.0 L/100 km 5-cycle | 276 g/km |
| 2005Subcompact · Compact · Station wagon: Small | 2.5 L | Petrol | 6-speed automated manual | 10.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 235 g/km |
| 2005Subcompact · Compact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 274 g/km |
| 2005Subcompact · Compact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automated manual | 10.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 251 g/km |
| 2005Subcompact · Compact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 11.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 258 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.